Cabinet approves Annual Corporate Safeguarding Report

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has approved the 2022-23 Annual Corporate Safeguarding Report, which includes statistics of the number of adult and children safeguarding referrals this year with comparisons to previous years, how the council has worked collaboratively with the regional safeguarding board, as well as the new models of practice that have been implemented.

In spite of the rise in safeguarding referrals for adults and children, and the consequent increase in workload placed upon social work teams, the report reflects how staff are supported to continue to improve and strengthen safeguarding arrangements – a priority which will remain for 2023 to 2024.

We all have a responsibility when it comes to vulnerable children and adults within the community, and the council fully embraces its corporate obligation to safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Despite the statistics revealed in the report showing an increase in safeguarding referrals compared to other years, it’s heartening to know that the social care teams are rising to the challenge and continue to enhance safeguarding services.

Even with the budget pressures that the council is currently facing, safeguarding will continue to be of prime importance to the local authority, ensuring the ongoing protection of those who are most vulnerable across the county borough.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, Councillor Jane Gebbie